HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised to make Gloucestershire diabetics’ hospital stays more pleasant in an innovative event held in honour of a 19-month-old girl from North Nibley.

Friends and family of toddler Molly Marlow met at the New Inn in Waterley Bottom on Friday for a unique lunch.

Having all designed and painted their own bowls prior to the event, at midday all 80 of the event’s attendees were given the opportunity to choose one of the bowls before sitting down in the sun for lunch prepared by landlord Les Smitherman.

The idea for the event was the brainchild of Molly’s grandmother Kirsten Marlow who had seen a similar fundraiser held in the USA and brought it across the Atlantic to raise money for the hospital she has to visit every month.

Ten months ago Molly was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes by doctors at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Molly is now fitted with a pump which regulates her body’s insulin levels and has to be checked and updated every three hours - day and night.

Despite this, her mum Janine said that Molly was still independent.

“It’s been a very steep learning curve for all of us,” she told the Gazette. “For us [as parents] it is very difficult because we are up all night checking the pump but Molly is just as independent as she was before the diagnosis.”

Each attendee at ‘Molly’s Bowls of Hope’ paid £15 for a ticket and the money, along with the proceeds of a silent auction, will be given to the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.

The money will be put towards the purchase of six iPads and three storyboards for children with diabetes to use whilst they are at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

The hospital’s paediatric team cares for 289 diabetic children and this is expected to increase by 30 this year.